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Keep your computer in a
high traffic area.
Don't
assume that because you have a filter on your computer
that it's okay for your child to have a computer in
their bedroom. Filters can't filter out all the sites
you may not want your children to see. If you keep the
computer in your family room or other high traffic area
in your home, this helps you to be more aware of what
your child is doing on the internet as well as what
games your child is playing.
So I'm
Online With My Child... Now What?
Here are
some guidelines you may want to implement in your own
household concerning Internet use. These are not
guarantees, but by taking these steps you are doing what
you can to help protect your child.
Talk With Your Child.
Subjects such as this are sometimes very difficult to
about with our children, but if we talk to them, they
become aware and informed. If they are informed, they
will know what to do if a child predator contacts them.
Establish the Rules.
There are many rules to consider about online use. Some
of them are:
1. Never arrange a
meeting with an online friend without you present 2.
Work out times for your child to be online. 3. Share
your child's e-mail account and password. 4. Keep the
computer in a family area.
Don't Assume.
Don't assume
your child "knows better". Talking with them and
monitoring their online use is the best way to protect
them.
Warning
Signs
Here are
some warning signs your child may be at risk when he/she
is online:
1. Your
child spends a lot of time online, especially at night.
2. Your
child is receiving phone calls from men you don't know
or is placing calls (possibly long distance) to numbers
you don't recognize.
3. You
find pornography on your child's computer.
4. Your
child begins receiving gifts or mail from someone you
don't know.
5. Your
child turns off the monitor or changes the screen
whenever you come into the room, as if he/she is hiding
something.
6. Your
child becomes withdrawn.
Helpful
Links
protectkids.com
This is
Donna Rice Hughes' website. She is an advocate for
protecting children online. Her site has information on
her book that is solely on this subject. She talks about
blocks for your computer and many other methods for
making the computer a safe place for children.
safekids.com
This site
has a pledge for both parents and children to read and
sign. It also has helpful information for parents.
webwisekids.com
This is a
truly wonderful site. It was created by a woman whose
14-year-old sister met a child predator online. It's
very informative for parents and colorful and
interesting for children. It also contains fun and safe
sites for your children to visit. A must-see.
missingkids.com
National Center for Missing
and Exploited Children's website. They have a lot of
information and resources for parents.
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